Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess novel Chapter 21

Lena waltzed in, standing at a neat 5'3", donning a white dress, with her long hair flowing straight down. Her features weren't exactly stunning, but she sported a gentle smile that made her look like the epitome of a delicate little girl.

Pretending she was clueless about Josefina's identity, Lena beelined for Hattie, grabbing her arm and cooing like a spoiled child, "Mom, did you have the designer send over some new clothes for me again? You know, I have plenty. No need to splurge!"

Hattie gazed at Lena with motherly love, a bit taken aback. "Lena, you're back! Why didn't you give us a heads-up? I would've sent the driver to pick you up."

"I wanted to surprise you guys! The food abroad was just awful, and nothing beats home cooking. I rushed back as soon as the conference was over, hoping to catch you and Dad before you woke up."

Hattie affectionately patted her arm. "You and your surprises."

Lena turned to Josefina with a scrutinizing look. "Mom, who's this?"

After Hattie had Josefina sit down, she filled Lena in on the situation. Lena felt like the sky was falling—she was a complete wreck, scared out of her wits.

"I'm not a Harrison? How can I not be your daughter..." Her eyes brimmed with tears that streamed down her face.

She was a pro at playing up these emotions, and Hattie, holding her hand, spoke in a soothing tone to calm her down. "Lena, we've found out about your birth family, and sadly, they're no longer with us. But you're still my daughter and will continue to live with the Harrisons. You're just as much my own."